Tyler Lockhart Barbara Gauntt/Clarion Ledger / USA TODAY NETWORK

Mississippi State lands highly ranked LB recruit Tyler Lockhart

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Sep 20, 2024 12:11 AM ET

Tyler Lockhart, four-star linebacker from Winona, Mississippi, was once an Auburn commit.

He backed off that pledge in the summer off an official visit to Mississippi State, though. To many in the recruiting community, that was a sign that the Bulldogs were going to ultimately win the four-star over — especially considering the fact that his brother, TJ Lockhart, is a freshman on Mississippi State's squad.

Those hunches came true on Thursday when Lockhart announced his commitment to head coach Jeff Libby and the Bulldogs.

100% Committed https://t.co/VCC1jvSOAX
— ⭐️Tyler⭐️⭐️Lockhart⭐️ (@_TylerL_12) September 19, 2024

Lockhart's close friend, Fred Clark, is also a freshman linebacker for the Bulldogs. Having his brother and friend there undoubtedly played a role in his commitment.

"They both say they like it over there. I figure if they like it, then I am going to like it too," Lockhart told 247Sports.

Of course, credit also has to go to Libby and his staff. The Bulldogs may be only 1-2 on the field after tough losses to Arizona and Toledo, but this is a big recruiting win.

"It just feels like home. The coaches are cool and every time I go over there they make me feel at home," Lockhart said of Mississippi State's staff.

According to the 247Sports Composite, Lockhart is the No. 16 linebacker in the 2025 class. He's also a top-five player within the state of Mississippi.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

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